There is a process in place to identify properties that may be considered for disposal against criteria set out in the asset management strategy.  This may include a material programme of disposals with the following objectives:

• Reducing the average age of the stock and improving average quality and environmental performance
• Eliminating the organisation's ownership of poor quality homes that are more likely to have an adverse impact on the health of residents
• Reducing the cost of responsive repairs and retrofit programmes
• Generating receipts to reduce debt or to invest in other existing assets or new development. 

All void properties are tested against these criteria, based on detailed, comprehensive stock condition data.  Properties currently in occupation may also be selected for disposal for strategic reasons or if they have very high costs to the landlord and / or the tenant. Wherever possible, a decision on whether a property is planned for disposal takes place while it is still occupied, so that it can be removed from the rent debit and marketed for sale as soon as it becomes void.

The analysis takes account of the net present value of the costs of improvement and ongoing repairs, as well as the rental income.  This includes the estimated average unit cost of enabling housing association properties to reach band C as set out in the English Housing Survey.  The discount rate used takes into consideration the risk of further government intervention on rent setting.  The analysis will also consider whether there is a strategic requirement to retain some social housing in high value areas.  The final decision to dispose is subject to independent review of the analysis and approval in line with delegated authorities. The criteria for deciding on whether to dispose of existing stock is regularly reviewed with the objective of maximising economic and social value, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant asset management standards, including net zero carbon.